On Monday November 29, 2010 from 6:30-8:00 at King Middle School, we will gather with members of the Portland community to discuss the risks of prescription drug abuse among teens. This event is sponsored by Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) and King Pharmaceuticals as well as the City of Portland's Public Health Division (HHSD) and the Portland Public Schools (PPS).With support from panelists Ronni Katz (City of Portland's Substance Abuse Prevention Program Coordinator), Kevin Cashman (Maine DEA) and Karen Simone (Director, Northern New England Poison Center), parents and concerned adults will be able to learn about current trends, tips for talking with teens, Rx abuse warning signs and proper disposal methods.
Here are some highlights regarding the importance of this community discussion:
*Nationally, as many as one in five teens say they have taken a prescription drug without having a prescription for it. Every day, almost 2, 500 teens abuse an Rx medication for the 1st time.
*Last year in Cumberland County, nearly 11% of high-schoolers reporting using an Rx drug without a doctor's prescription.
(Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey, MIYHS)
*More than 70% of teens who abuse Rx drugs report they got them from a friend or family member (SAMHSA).
*40% of teens report that, even if not prescribed by a doctor., Rx drugs are safer to use than illegal drugs (CADCA).
*Parents/adults CAN reduce risk by keeping track of their meds/safely disposing of unused meds, talking to their teens and knowing the warning signs of Rx drug abuse - all of which will be addressed @ the forum.
We thank CADCA & King Pharmaceuticals for being a part of this national initiative to reduce prescription drug abuse among teens. To learn more about CADCA's efforts, visit: http://www.cadca.org/resources/detail/rx-abuse-prevention-toolkit
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